South Africa Bans Nigerian Televangelist Omotoso Five Years

Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been officially deported from South Africa and banned from re-entering the country for five years due to immigration violations, including possession of fraudulent documentation and overstaying. Despite his recent acquittal on multiple serious charges such as rape and human trafficking by the Gqeberha High Court, the South African Department of Home Affairs declared him a prohibited person under immigration law. Omotoso departed from OR Tambo International Airport under police escort, with officials confirming that his new Nigerian passport did not override his prohibited status. His deportation follows a complicated legal history that began with his 2017 arrest on more than 90 charges and subsequent court battles. The Department of Home Affairs emphasized that Omotoso’s prohibited status stems from two offenses: using a fraudulent permit and illegal overstay, making his presence unlawful. The National Prosecuting Authority has announced plans to appeal his acquittal, and South African authorities are enforcing the immigration ban regardless of the court decisions.